A Colorado mountain town lands on New York Times’ “52 Places” to go in 2022

The New York Times this week published its annual “52 Places” list for 2022, in which editors and contributors suggest dozens of worldwide destinations that travelers should have on their radar.

This year’s list includes options for a changing world of travel. That means places that are taking into account problems such as overtourism and climate change, and where visitors can contribute to a solution. It’s a tall order, to be sure, but a noble one.

“In the past, the list has often focused on things like a newly hot restaurant scene, an exciting new museum or the opening of a fabulous beachfront resort,” Times editors write. “This list, instead, highlights places where change is actually happening — where endangered wild lands are being preserved, threatened species are being protected, historical wrongs are being acknowledged, fragile communities are being bolstered — and where travelers can be part of the change.”

One Colorado town made the list alongside cities such as Queens, N.Y., and Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

Coming in at No. 32, Estes Park was selected for its low-carbon footprint backcountry skiing at the former Hidden Valley resort, as well as for its camping, snowshoeing and abundant opportunity for nature and wildlife photography. As for apres-ski, the editors recommend Rock Cut Brewing, which donates to local nonprofits for every Altruism beer it sells.